Alpacas are by far, the easiest farm animal to care for. Their needs are very enjoyable and also very minimal. A quote that will go along way with alpacas,
"AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE"
DAILY CARE
- Observation - look at your alpacas everyday. Are they eating? Does one seem to stay back from the herd? Are there some that tend to eat all the grain before the others get any? Do they have runny noses or eyes?
- Fresh Water - clean water is extremely important - donot put the water buckets on the ground, the alpacas will use it for a footbath
- Hay/Forage - this is the primary diet for alpacas, make sure they have hay and/or green pasutres to graze. Make sure your hay is free of mold.
- Grain/Minerals - Grain is a great supplement to hay that the alpacas love. Some farms may need to supplement with minerals depending on their grain ingredients
- Clean pastures and paddocks - just remember that clean pastures do not mean you are rid of worm/parasite issues.
WEEKLY CARE
- Wash and Sanitize all water buckets, feed bins
- Check your pastures
MONTHLY CARE
- Worming - use a wormer that is recommended for your area by your vet
- Toenails
- Teeth
YEARLY CARE
- Rabies Vaccination
- Shearing
As with any livestock or animal, you always want to make sure there are no posionous plants that they can get in to.
